19 year-old electrical apprentice dies after a 12m fall

A 19-year-old apprentice electrician from NSW who fell more than 12 metres through a commercial building roof at Tomago on Thursday 23 August 2018, died on the 6 September 2018 at John Hunter Hospital.

Jaryd Hayter, an under-19 West Wallsend soccer player, was installing solar panels when he fell through a skylight, according to SafeWork NSW.

Paramedics were called to a coating business at 24 Old Punt Road, at about 11.30am on Thursday 23 August 2018.

A spokesman for NSW Ambulance said that the worker had “fallen between 40 to 50 feet” and suffered significant injuries to his feet and legs.

The spokesman said the worker was wearing a harness at the time of the incident, but it “gave way”.

“Initial inquiries indicate the worker was installing solar panels on the roof of the building when he fell through a skylight and landed on the ground below,” a spokesperson from SafeWork NSW said.

We would like to remind our members of some of the key dangers when working on roofs comes from unprotected edges, trip hazards and fragile surfaces, such as skylights. Whether you’re installing solar panels or working on the roof for other reasons, you should never get off the ground without ensuring the right height safety solutions are in place.

NECA would like to send our condolences to Jaryd’s family, his football club West Wallsend’s SFC and his workmates. This is a devastating tragedy.

Click here to download a roof access permit created by NECA NSW, which could be helpful for ensuring controls are in place prior to any roof work.

For assistance or further information, contact NECA WA's Safety Team on (08) 6241 6100 or email osh@necawa.asn.au.